half dollars

were widely used large-denomination coins during early years of our nation. Half dollars from 1794-1947 feature images of Liberty on the obverse and the bald eagle on the reverse, while U.S. half dollars from 1948-1963 depict Ben Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The Franklin series was cut short in 1964 to honor John F. Kennedy. Regular-issue Kennedy half dollars were struck in 90% silver in 1964, in 40% silver from 1965-1970 and in copper-nickel clad since 1971.